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The Patriots have had to settle for more field goals than they’d like so far this season. Fortunately, they have a kicker to rely on.

Stephen Gostkowski was named the AFC’s Special Teams Player of the Month for October on Thursday, marking the second time in his NFL career that he’s won the award. He also received the honor in October 2008.

Gostkowski hit all nine field goals that he attempted in the month, which included setting a new career long of 54 yards in the Patriots’ 30-27 come from-behind-win against the Saints in Week 6.

The 29-year-old kicker is already on pace to attempt and make more field goals this season than ever before in his eight-year NFL career (he was 36-for-40 in the 2008 season). He is 20-for-21 in field goal attempts this season and leads the NFL in field goals made. He also ranks second in the NFL in total points with 77, just two points behind Broncos kicker Matt Prater.